At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in a caring and engaging environment.
- Company: Join the outstanding Dove House Academy, known for its supportive community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and a local government pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Empathy, resilience, and experience with special needs are a plus.
- Other info: Flexible full-time and part-time roles available, with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Dove House is seeking to recruit hardworking, enthusiastic, confident and highly motivated learning support assistants to join our fantastic support team on a permanent basis.
Personal attributes
Dove House is a popular, successful and highly regarded school in Basingstoke, for students with moderate/severe learning difficulties and autism, aged between 11-19. We are proud to be an ‘Outstanding’ school but retain our passion to keep moving forward.
In this key position, you will provide learning and care support, including personal intimate care, for students with special educational needs.
You must be able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, tact and resilience when dealing with challenging circumstances, as well as being able to use your initiative and manage your own time well.
Experience of working with primary or secondary pupils with complex special needs would be advantageous.
Training will be given to the successful candidate.
Our Relational Culture Charter guides us to work together and support each other through:
- Effective Communication
- High Challenge & High Support to Empower
- Respect for All
- Solution-Focused Approaches
We believe that when relationships thrive, people thrive – and so do the children and young people we serve.
Salary & Benefits
Band 4
32.5 hours a week, term time only, permanent.
We offer you:
- Excellent staff induction with a commitment to high quality professional development
- The opportunity to be part of an innovative and forward-thinking Trust
- A happy, committed, and supportive community
- Local Government Pension Scheme with the option of a 50/50 contribution to build over time
- Increase in paid weeks after 5 years of service from 45.1 weeks to 45.9 weeks
- SEN Allowance with an increase after 3 and 5 years of service
- Life Insurance – 3 times annual salary (for members of the pension scheme)
- Wellbeing Inset Day to support the wellbeing of our staff
- Free onsite parking
- CPD opportunities to support Career development
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Employee Benefits Platform
The hours for these roles are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8.30am – 3.15pm and Wednesday 8.30am – 4.30pm. You will work for 39 weeks of the year; however, you will be paid for 45.1 weeks. Your salary will be paid over 12 months of the year.
We currently have full time and part time positions available.
If you want to make a positive difference and enrich the lives of our pupils, then this could be the school for you!
Location
Dove House Academy
Sutton Road
Oakridge, Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG21 5SU
Closing Date for applications is Thursday 12 February 2026, 9am.
Interviews will be held on Monday 23 February 2026.
Equal opportunities
Solent Academies Trust welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or religion. Only applications submitted on the academy’s application form will be accepted. Solent Academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
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Learning Support Assistants employer: Dove House School
Contact Detail:
Dove House School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistants
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Dove House and understand its values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about how your experiences align with the role of a Learning Support Assistant, especially when it comes to empathy and resilience. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff if you can. They can provide insider tips on what the school is really like and what they look for in candidates. Plus, it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure to fill out the Solent Academies Trust application form completely and accurately to stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're filling out your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students with special educational needs shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with primary or secondary pupils with complex special needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Yourself: We’re all about authenticity here at StudySmarter. Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Show us who you are and why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the only way to apply is through our website. It’s super easy! Just head over to http://solent-trust.net and fill out the application form. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dove House School
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Learning Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with moderate/severe learning difficulties and autism. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've shown empathy and sensitivity in challenging situations. Think about times when you've had to manage difficult circumstances and how you approached them. This will highlight your ability to connect with students and support their needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewers about the school and its approach to supporting students. This shows that you're engaged and eager to learn more about the environment you'll be working in. It also gives you a chance to assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Initiative
Be ready to discuss how you manage your time and take initiative in your work. Share examples of how you've proactively supported students or improved processes in previous roles. This will illustrate your ability to work independently and contribute positively to the team.